Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I now have 2 snowblowers and one needs to go. I am trying to get some input on what one to keep.

The first one is a Ariens ST1032, 10 HP Techmeseh in great condition, electric start, cast iron gear case.

The second on is a Simplicity 1080. 10 HP Techemseh also in great condition, electric start, cast iron gear case.

Both have a 32 inch clearing path.

Over all condition and age is about the same, whhat one is the better snowblower?

Did you just get these and don't know their history? 

Have you used them? 

What is the history of the machines? 

Were they homeowner or commercially used?

Does the Ariens have a Briggs engine, round muffler and metal straps holding on a metal gas tank?

(Note: the 924056 is also a 1032 with a cast iron gearbox).  I mention that because there is some confusion with the manuals with the 924056 and 57 as described below.

The request to Ariens manual server for a 924057 manuals returns a 924056 owners.  The owners manual includes exploded views but only show parts for the 924056.  There is no mention in that manual of the 924057.  It could be a 57 specific manual was never made or not now available so Ariens gives the 56.  ??

The server returns a seperate parts manual that covers the 56, 57 and a number of other models.   It has a model listing at the beginning like all Ariens manuals.  It lists the 924056 as a 10 32.  It lists the 57 as a 10 32 but adds"Trac-Team Tractor".  The parts manual shows the exploded bucket and chute view for a 56 but not a 57.  It shows a short chute which indicates the 56 a fairly early model.  That chute does not have a remote hood control mounted at the dash.  In the tractor section the 56 and 57 are lumped together so they seem to be the same.  If that's the case what does Trac-Team Tractor mean?  Both the 56 & 57 come with big tired and differential.   Also, it's common for Ariens to show different models on one page.  It may have a couple of parts used on one or another machine in the drawing.   The following page is usually a part callout page with seperate columns for different models so you can tell exactly which parts go to which machine.  The callout page for the 56 and 57 (labeled as 56 & 57) only has a column for the 56 so no column for the 57.  Why do they say the figure is for both 56 & 57 and show part numbers for only the 56?  You can't tell what the Trac-Team Tractor means by the exploded view.  You can't tell if it's got a tall or short chute and with or without remot hood control because the 57 bucket drawing is missing.   

The service manual covers 924's generally but not specific to which models.  It says it covers 24-32 inch buckets and 7 through 11 horse power machines so many different 924 of very different designs.   A late 924038 is a very different machine than a 924050.  The 57 seems to be a mix of the two and tending to the 38. 

That's as far as I've gotten in guessing what you have.  A picture of the machines would be nice.  The Simplicity looks like it could be somewhere around an 1991 to 1999.  The Ariens seems to be early 80's.  I'm guessing but it seems most makers were dumping the few Briggs they used by 1985.   

One thing to keep in mind is Simplicity is now Briggs and just how long they will support machines is a guess.  They are not doing so well with Murrays.  It looks like they are gearing up to mass market Snapper and Simplicity low and mid-range models (quazi-Murrays) and would probably like to can the commercial models. 

   Tough to tell the age of the Ariens.  If it has a short chute with 9 inches from the base toothed ring to the hood nut then it’s probably and early to mid 80’s.  If it’s about 12 inches then it’s probably a mid to late 80’s machine.  

If it’s got a rounded bull nose gearbox then it could be the early version.  If it’s got a somewhat rectangle shaped gearbox that is stoodup on end then it’s probably mid to later 80’s. 

 

The Simplicity seems to be a generation newer with the given the chute style and remote control and in the 90’s, possibly 91-98.

 

Overall age is not so important as condition.  The Ariens has differential.  The Simplicity has pin locking.  Both are great machines.  The Simplicity will probably toss a bit further than the Ariens.  The Ariens probably a little easier to handle.   I have a Simplicity 870E and it’s ok but a little sloppy in the tractor section. 

 

I’d flip up both machine and check out the internals.  Move the wheels and see how much slop there is in there.  Shake the internal shafts and parts to check the slop and wear. 

 

The engine compression would be one of the big concerns.  Do a leak-down test on both if you have a tester ($30 and worth the cost).  Check for rust in the Briggs tank.  It probably does not have a line filter.